Randolph County searches for big business with “megasite” plan

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LIBERTY, NC -- Randolph County's Economic Development Corporation is looking for a way to bring big business to the area to alleviate unemployment, and one plan includes clearing a huge parcel of land in hopes that business will come.

Bonnie Renfro, president of the EDC, says the county is targeting 1200 acres in the northeastern part of the county near Liberty.

This "megasite" would be rezoned, flattened out, and prepared for utilities in order to bring in a large automotive or aviation manufacturer.

"We have these assets. We have the transportation. We have the workforce. Now we need the place. We need a piece of real estate," Renfro said.

There are dozens of people who live on the land, though, including farmer Doug Williams.

"I don't want to sell because I don't want to move," Williams said.

Renfro stressed that this is a long-term plan, and that the Randolph County EDC is also looking at other ways to bring in businesses.